Chapter Nineteen

Shane

Zhang had been here three days and had carved out a routine that worked for us both. He worked from my office while I worked out but, sometimes, I would catch him coming out and we would lock eyes in the mirror.

He met my dad, and James already loved him.

Everyone on staff loved him.

I loved him.

While we hadn't talked about him leaving or any plans for the future, I couldn't help but worry about when that conversation would take place or what his decision would be. I had my main gym here. My team. My entire career hinged and pivoted on my gym.

But, if he didn't want to move here, I would do what I had to in order to make sure I was near him. Those weeks away from my omega were pure hell.

Zhang came out of the office and walked over to where I was doing deadlifts. "Chad, does my big guy have a workout tonight?"

Chad grinned. "Nope."

I released my belt and turned to him. "What did you have in mind, omega mine?"

Zhang blushed. Always did when I called him mine. "Dinner?"

"Sounds good. It's almost four. I'll finish my workout and shower and then we can go. You can share my shower if you want to."

"I'm right here!" Chad said. "Dinner tonight. After shower. Back to work, Leighton."

When Chad was serious about things, he called me by my last name.

Zhang put his palms up and laughed. "The coach speaks."

As planned, I showered after my workout and Zhang went home to shower on his own. Pity. I picked him up from our home, because it was our home now, and I brought him to a steak house. We both dressed up a bit, but I was nervous. My mountain lion felt like our mate had something on his mind.

The thoughts swirled in my mind as we sat down. I could hardly pay attention to the menu.

"It's nothing bad," Zhang said, taking my hand in his.

"What?" I asked.

"What I have to say to you tonight is nothing bad, okay? Let's eat and have a good time."

That sent some relief into my body but not a lot. My brain was making up all kinds of scenarios, wondering how I would live or change my life if he decided not to stay.

Gods, I needed him near.

More than my career. More than my family. More than my gym. I'd change all of it for him.

"Tell me now, omega. I can't stand it. I can't even think about food."

He chuckled. "Okay. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to torture you. I had this whole speech prepared."

"Go on, then," I coaxed.

"You know that I love you, right?"

I nodded. This didn't sound like good news so far. I felt a but coming on. "I do. And I love you."

He smiled and kissed me. "I don't want to be away from you anymore. It's going to take some time, but I wanted to know if I could move here…with you?" I didn't immediately answer and, apparently, he took that as a negative. "I mean, if you don't want me in the house, I can get my own place…"

"I don't want you away from me either. I want you in my life. In my bed. I want you to bear my young and grow old with me. My home is yours. Everything that I am is yours, Zhang."

He blew out a long breath, and a single tear fell from one of his eyes. "I thought you were going to say no." He shrugged.

I pulled him over to sit in my lap, the onlookers be damned. "I thought you brought me here to tell me you were leaving."

Zhang nuzzled his nose into the crook of my neck. I was sure we were getting some looks from the other patrons, but they could kiss my whole ass. My mate had decided to move in with me. "Not possible. There are some things I need to do, but my home is wherever you are."

"Okay, now that the danger is over, I'm starving."

Zhang got back into his seat with a chuckle and shook his head. "I'm glad you agreed."

"What things do you need to take care of? Can I help you?" I asked, wanting him permanently here as soon as possible.

"I need to sell my house. Pack up my things. Talk to my boss about relocating and what that will mean for my position. I've worked constantly since I got here anyway. On call, my ass. Forward my mail. I made a list."

When the waiter came back, we ordered, but Zhang didn't eat much of his meat.

"Is something else bothering you?" I asked.

"No. Why?" he said, picking at the asparagus with a fork. He was moving things around his plate, but the actual food going into his mouth was little.

"You're barely eating."

He nodded. "My stomach has been a mess for the last couple of days. With the trip and all the nerves about asking to move here, it's been a lot. I think I just need some rest."

Didn't have to ask me twice.

"Let's get you home, omega."

I paid the check while Zhang made his way to the car. His scent had changed a bit, but I chalked it up to the same things he had determined were the source of his nausea. As I got into the car, he patted my hand but asked that I put the leftovers in the back seat. He was feeling a bit sick again.

"Maybe you are simply dehydrated," I offered. "I have some hydration packs at home. Rest and lots of water for you, okay? Do you think I need to stay home tomorrow?"

He cocked one eyebrow at me. "Are you trying to get out of one of your workouts, mister?"

I chuckled. "To be with you? A little bit."